Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Definition

The aorta is the largest artery in the body. The abdominal portion of the aorta carries blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs. Sometimes the walls of the aorta weaken and bulge in one area. This is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). AAAs are most often caused by
atherosclerosis
, also known as hardening of arteries, and
high blood pressure
.

Your doctor may also need a record of your heart activity. This can be made with an
electrocardiogram
.

Your doctor may ask you to see a cardiologist—a doctor who specializes in heart conditions. The cardiologist will check your heart before surgery.

Before the procedure:

You may need to stop taking certain medicines one week before surgery. Talk to your doctor about your regular medicine, especially:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Blood-thinning drugs

Anti-platelet drugs

On the day of the procedure, you will be given an antibiotic by IV. You may also be given a laxative or enema to clear out your bowels.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV.

Description of Procedure

In most cases, an incision is made from the breastbone to below the belly button. The doctor clamps the aorta slightly above and below the aneurysm. Any blood clot on the inside of the aorta is removed. An artificial wall is used to strengthen the area. This is called a graft. The graft will be stitched to the normal aorta on either side. Then, the clamps are removed. The wound is closed with stitches.

How Long Will It Take?

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. Most people will be sore after the procedure and will be given pain medicines.

Average Hospital Stay

The length of your hospital stay depends on your overall condition. Ask your doctor how long you should plan to stay.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

While you are recovering at the hospital, you may receive the following care:

You will be sent to the intensive care unit for monitoring.

You will have tubes in place, which may include the following:

IV—provides medications and fluids

Urinary catheter—monitors urine output

Arterial catheter—monitors blood pressure

Central venous catheter—monitors pressure in the heart

Epidural catheter—provides pain medicine

Nasogastric tube—inserted through the nose and into the stomach to remove secretions and provide nutrition until your intestines regain normal function

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Follow any
discharge instructions
to care for the wound.

Gradually return to your normal activities.

To help prevent further problems, you and your doctor will need to work to increase your overall health. Atherosclerosis and high blood pressure should be managed carefully. This can be done with medicines and a healthy lifestyle. If you are a smoker, you should talk to your doctor about quitting.

Also, ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the incision site

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.